Best of the Best tests on the website, I noted that people were pissing and whining that some of what we tested cost way too much for those who can barely afford a Happy Meal, and that I did not shoot enough to draw accurate conclusions about whether rifles shot well or not.

My fellow Americans: If you can’t afford expensive stuff, tough. This is the land of opportunity. Go out and manage a hedge fund instead of what you’re doing. We test what comes in, regardless of price. As for not shooting enough, one of the things I’ve learned over decades of testing rifles is that the good ones shoot well from the get-go and the bad ones disgrace themselves immediately.

One good group is not enough to tell you anything for sure. I’ve shot many factory rifles that came with a single sensational test-target group which I could never duplicate. If you get two good, or bad, groups it can still be coincidence. But with three, there’s very little doubt. You can go on and shoot two more groups, or ten more, and you’re going to keep getting the same thing.

Testing Rifles: You Know a Good Gun Right Away

Reading the comments to our Best of the Best tests on the website, I noted that people were pissing and whining that some of what we tested cost way too much for those who can barely afford a Happy Meal, and that I did not shoot enough to draw accurate conclusions about whether rifles shot well or not.

My fellow Americans: If you can’t afford expensive stuff, tough. This is the land of opportunity. Go out and manage a hedge fund instead of what you’re doing. We test what comes in, regardless of price. As for not shooting enough, one of the things I’ve learned over decades of testing rifles is that the good ones shoot well from the get-go and the bad ones disgrace themselves immediately.

One good group is not enough to tell you anything for sure. I’ve shot many factory rifles that came with a single sensational test-target group which I could never duplicate. If you get two good, or bad, groups it can still be coincidence. But with three, there’s very little doubt. You can go on and shoot two more groups, or ten more, and you’re going to keep getting the same thing.